The sport's next rookie is impatiently pacing at the gate of the formula one turnstile, Willi Weber insists.

The sport's next rookie is impatiently pacing at the gate of the formula one turnstile, Willi Weber insists.

Having guided Michael Schumacher into and out of the most successful career in F1 history, the 67-year-old German is now looking after the country's next hot talent.

"Nico was in a training camp for four weeks to prepare for this GP2 season," said Weber, referring to the 21-year-old reigning F3 Euroseries champion Nico Hulkenberg.

"I am convinced that in 2010 we will see him in formula one," he added.

Hulkenberg, to drive in GP2 for the ART team this year, is already Williams' test and reserve driver, and has won over the affection of the famous British outfit.

"Despite his age, Nico is immediately fast and clear in his head with each test lap," technical director Sam Michael told Germany's Sport Bild.

Australian Michael also recounted how Hulkenberg spent weeks in the Grove factory over the winter, interested and involved in the development of the FW31 car, including the much talked about double diffuser.

The contracts of Williams' current racers, Nico Rosberg and Kazuki Nakajima, expire this year.